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World Penguin Day is celebrated on April 25 every year. It is the day when annual northward migration
of penguins begins. The original idea of celebrating Penguin Day is to spread awareness of the Penguin species.
Penguins are one of my favorite animals. Ever since the first time I saw penguins' images, I couldn't take my eyes off them every time when I see them on TV or internet. There are many reasons I love those fun loving creatures - the cool color, the lovely shapes, the way they waddle, their little flippers, their shiny feathers,
the way they play... and how adorable they are when the mom penguins carry their babies on their feet.
I love the simple black and white colors of the penguins. Although some paleontologists said some of the giant penguin's feathers were reddish
brown and gray and not always black and white. The majority of the penguins we see today are black and white. The black backs and white
bellies give the penguins perfect camouflage. When seeing from above, their black back will blend them in with dark ocean bottom. While when
viewing from underneath, the white stomach would make them hard to distinct from the skylight.
Even wondering why penguins waddle funnily while marching in groups? This is because they have short legs and webbed feet. Penguins do have knees and upper legs. We can't see them
because they are completely enclosed within the bodies. They have very strong heels. Sometimes penguins only stand on their heels by pointing their feet in the air to minimize contact with the cold ice.
So they will release less body heat. Smart, huh?
Do you know penguins' flippers, or wings, are also their weapons during fighting? Yes, they use their flippers to fight. Amazing, isn't it.
Not only they use their little wings to gain speed on land and paddle in water. Their wings also help them to cool down in a hot day when they are spreading away from their bodies.
Penguins' feather usually looks oily and shiny because penguins keep their skin windproof and waterproof by spreading natural oil over the feathers.
I've always wondered how come they can survive the extreme cold weather. Other than for the fat reserves, their oily feathers play a very important role as the insulation between the body and the cold air.
It is almost impossible to look at a penguin and not loving it.
They are the cutest and most friendly animals in the world. They are beautiful, intelligent and royal. Need more reasons to love a penguin?
Check out some of the coolest penguin designed stuff. Decorate your home with them or give as great gifts to the penguin lovers in your life.
Penguin Posters
Penguin Themed Party Ideas
Penguin Cell Phone Cases
Penguin Jewelry
Penguin Humor T-Shirts
Penguin Games
Best Places to See Penguins
Antarctica is not the only place to see penguins. Penguins exist in many stunning beautiful destinations in the Southern Hemisphere. Due to the climate change, habitat destruction, pollution and
overfishing, species of penguins are in decline today. Some penguin species are considered endangered. One way to support their survival is to visit them in the conservation reserves. According to CNN
Travel, there are 5 best places to see penguins in the Southern Hemisphere:
1. Tierra del Fuego (Argentina and Chile) -
Tierra del Fuego National Parks
2. Phillip Island, Australia -
Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass - Penguin Parade and more!
3. Cape Town, South Africa -
Seeing Penguins at Boulders Beach
4. Otago Peninsula, New Zealand -
Penguin Place
5. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador -
Galapagos Private Yacht Tour with Lunch
The best time to see penguins is from November through March when it's the warmest in the Southern Hemisphere. Start planning your
next vacation trip and add penguin viewing into your fun family activities.
(Source: CNN Travel)
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